What is the nearest airport to CWU?

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac).

How do I get to Ellensburg from Seattle?

Ellensburg is about 90km from the city of Seattle. If you need to take a bus from the city or directly from SeaTac Airport, these are your options:

• FLIXBUS
• Bellair Airporter
• Greyhound

When should I arrive in Ellensburg?

International students should arrive in Ellensburg on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.  This is the day we are expecting you and when students with on-campus room assignment may move in.  Be sure to complete the Arrival Form to provide your arrival details and preferences.

What are the current policies regarding COVID?

The COVID state of emergency ended on May 11, 2023, and all quarantine, masking, and vaccination requirements have been lifted both at CWU and throughout Washington State.   While students are welcome to take precautions as they feel necessary, they are no longer required.

Is international student orientation mandatory?

Yes!

I won’t be able to attend the International Student Orientation September 14th-15th, what should I do?

Please email intlprog@cwu.edu with a detailed explanation of why you cannot attend.  We will then provide you with instructions.

I won’t be able to attend the CWU orientation September 16th-19th, what should I do?

Please email intlprog@cwu.edu with a detailed explanation of why you cannot attend.  We will then provide you with instructions.

I won’t be able to arrive by the first day of class, September 20th, what should I do?

Please do your best to arrive in time to attend the first classes on March 28.  If it is impossible, please do the following:

First, contact sevis@cwu.edu to let us know when you plan to arrive.  If we determine that it is okay for you to arrive by the planned date, we will add a notation to your SEVIS record to notify Customs and Border Patrol that you have permission to arrive late. 

Second, contact your professors by email to inform them that you’ll be late.  Students who do not attend (or show signs of activity for online classes) by the third day of class will risk getting dropped from the course.  If you need assistance contacting your professors, your International Student Advisor (Roz Moes) can assist you.

Third, if your classes have an online component, participate online as much as possible. 

Fourth, if you applied for on-campus housing, email housing@cwu.edu to inform them when you will arrive/check-in to your room.

Can I move-in early to on-campus housing?

Yes! International students participating in our orientation will be allowed to move in on Sunday, March 26 with a check-in at noon, even if your check-in time is scheduled differently in MyHousing.  Available check-in times for this day will be announced soon